ARTICLE: Garwood is Great Place to Live

By Debbie Ledger |  Published in the Union County Hawk, October 11, 2023

Garwood is an awesome place to live.  We have a cozy small town atmosphere while enjoying the conveniences and amenities of living in a metropolitan area.  Homes in Garwood are in high demand with most selling quickly, almost always  for more than the listing price. Many Garwood residents have been here for decades, and many more families have stayed in town for generations! 

Yet each year at this time, some groups suggest that Garwood is somehow lacking.  They would have you believe that the town is in decline, the town is without needed services, or that money is being wasted on vanity projects at the expense of the quality of life.  I recently read a letter published by one such person claiming the town is a “hot mess”.  I have seen a recent campaign flier claiming that a new pavilion is being built with funds that should be used for another purpose. I have seen claims that there is no communication with the community by the town’s elected officials, and that issues such as parking and flooding are being ignored. 

In reality, that pavilion was discussed at many Council meetings since 2021 as part of a long term plan for the investment of grant money. The proposal was rejected this year due to concerns about the need to match the grant; no pavilion is being built. I have personally attended town hall forums held by the mayor on both parking and flooding.  I have received surveys about other town-wide issues.  

Community engagement is quite high in Garwood and there are many opportunities for residents to engage with their local officials.  We have had significant infrastructure upgrades including many paving projects and pedestrian crossing projects.  We even installed an AED outside of the recreation complex, an idea brought to the town by a resident.  We have many wonderful new and existing businesses in town, a new local business association, and several new train stops to serve our community.  Garwood is growing and thriving!